“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” – Romans 12:11
Recently, I was stuck in a rough patch. I couldn't get out. I was trapped in my own dark thoughts in my brain. I wasn't spending time with Jesus. I was snappy with my boyfriend and I was taking my sassy attitude out on others around me. I felt sad. I felt angry. I was disappointed in myself and in the sin I was trapped it. I talked to people very close to me about what was happening and asked for prayer. I had lost the zealous love that I should have for Jesus. Last night, I started listening to some "happy" music while I was driving on the interstate. I had the windows down and I was singing at the top of my lungs. I felt so much joy in that small moment. I want that joy and love back in my life.
As small of an obstacle it was to get out of the rut and back into spending time with Jesus every day, it really affected my personality and attitude. I wasn't spending time in God's word every morning like I had been the last few weeks, and I really felt a difference in my life. This felt like such a battle for me to overcome, but I feel better on the other side.
Things still aren't perfect. There are going to be days where I will feel like I’m stuck again. There are going to be days where I will let the enemy's voice seep into my thoughts and I will listen. But I have a zealous love for God, and He is showing me what it looks like to love Him and love others everyday.
I love listening to worship music, and praising the Lord often brings me back to a place of peace, comfort, and joy. David played for Saul and the evil spirits fled. I believe that music can help pull people out of their current state and encourage them into a better place. If you ever feel stuck, take some time to worship our Lord and Savior and praise him for all he does, has done, and will continue to do in your life.
I hope the passion you once had is ignited and on fire for God, I hope your devotion to God is desired once again, and I hope that the love you have for God overflows in your heart and is spilled over to others in your life.
I hope the zeal you lacked is placed into your spirit from God, and not sought after through the world. Seek God's kingdom first before you seek anything else (Matt. 6:33).
“For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:2-4
